JIMMY AT UK PREMIERE….IT DID GET EXCITING….

Jimmy Page was back on a London stage last night for the first time since the Foo Fighters Wembley Stadium guest slot in 2008. Along with producer Davis Guggenheim,

Jimmy was interviewed by veteran DJ Kid Jensen prior to the first UK screening of the documentary It Might Get Loud at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo London premiere.

The day started with something of a co- incidental anniversary for me.

For it was 28 years ago on this date in 1981 my good friend Tom Locke and I left Bedford with the prospect of being in the vicinity of Jimmy Page. On that occasion it was the memorable Golden Lion charity raffle. History was repeating itself somewhat as all these years later the pair of us were bound for the capital again with a similar prospect. Then as it was, we were in for a very memorable evening.

It was good to meet up with fellow TBL crew and fans at the pre screening TBL meet in the Distillers pub including Gary Foy, Cliff Hilliard, Ian Avey, Graeme H, Pam, Russell, Jeff, Krys Jantzen, Andreas, Michaela and son Dan, TBL Competition winner Dawn Atherton, Dave Marsh ,Steve Way and Letz Zep’s Billy Kulke. As usual many past Zep related occasions were discussed and Mr Foy and I debated over how many different guitars Jimmy had used on stage from The Yardbirds to now (I think we got to around 42, now there’s a future TBL feature in the making!).

Then it was over to the Apollo where Jimmy made a grand entrance with director Davis Guggenheim. He looked very relaxed talking to the media and fans as he was ushered through to the venue.

He was duly introduced to the stage prior to the film’s screening by veteran DJ Kid Jensen (one of the five DJ’s who introduced Zep at Earls Court). Jimmy and Davis made short speeches – Jimmy recalled playing at the famous venue (for years known as the Hammersmith Odeon) with Paul Rodgers and the spoof band Bad News. Davis was emphatic in his praise of Jimmy’s involvement in the film and stated how crucial he was to the whole project.

That fact was more than evident throughout the 97 minute duration of It Might Get Loud. Whilst The Edge and Jack White were admirable in the telling of their respective stories, it was Jimmy’s heritage across five decades that really lit up the screen. Highlights: Jimmy strumming through the guitar parts of Ramble On, some truly wonderful footage of Jimmy back at Headley Grange intercut with original cine film from the time with a bearded Page and Robert in a West Ham season 70/71 away shirt. The look of pure wonderment on the faces of The Edge and Jack White as Jimmy fired up Whole Lotta Love next to them on the soundstage. A lovely moment as all three jammed on The Band’s The Weight with Jimmy humorously exclaiming ‘’I don’t sing!’’ as a vocal part came around. Jimmy messing around with the theremin (‘’It hasn’t got six strings but it’s a lot of fun!’’ he grins). The new Embryo No. 2 with Jimmy surging away on a telecaster and a moving final scene outside Headley Grange as the intro of Ten Years Gone drifts in.

As the film’s credits rolled, Jimmy got up to leave to rapturous applause.

It might get loud, indeed it did get loud and viewing all this in the company of the master was a fantastic thrill.

Afterwards the TBL crew ventured in to Hammersmith for the traditional after match curry (joined by Robin Wealleans past Zep convention screen projectionist) then it was back to Bedford in the freezing cold. As I bordered a taxi, the car radio was playing Slade’s perennial seasonal fave Merry Christmas Everybody with its hopeful chorus of ‘’Look to the future now it’s only just begun.’’

That line seemed to mirror the air of optimism that surrounded every glimpse of Jimmy Page in action on the big screen. Dare I say it might get optimistic that in 2010 Jimmy will find an outlet for the playing of the electric guitar that will satisfy the appetite of his adoring public?

On the evidence of this marvellous documentary one thing’s for certain.

What a great , great film! It was so fantastic to see The Edge and Jack White staring in awe when Jimmy played …just as we mere mortals do! Proves it, he truly is a legend (as Dan would say)!!
Also enjoyed the three of them playing ‘In my time of dying’ – already on iTunes!
What a great night..Even better for Dan, as it was a part of his 17th birthday present from his Dad and I.
Poor Dad missed it as working…..
Well at least we have the ‘It Might Get Loud ‘DVD on order to enjoy all over again
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